Autism spectrum disorder and prematurity: towards a prospective screening program

Introduction. The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reported in current studies in risk groups such as preterm or low birth weight infants is higher than in the normal population. This fact has led to the increase in recent years of screening studies that investigate possible risk factors for ASD in preterm newborns and their developmental trajectory. Aim. To present the results of the main screening studies of preterm newborns in order to propose screening recommendations for this population at risk. Development. The results of the studies presented suggest the possibility that the trajectory of socio-communicative and behavioral development of preterm infants differed from what was expected if their birth had occurred at term. This supports the fact that screening programs are carried out based on developmental surveillance and that it is advisable to use screening tools adapted to this population at risk. Conclusion. Premature children are a risk group that shows differential characteristics for the screening of ASD.